The Peer Liaison Program was created to provide an additional layer of mentoring through a wealth of events and initiatives that aim to support first-year students through their transition to Yale College, especially those who belong to systematically minoritized groups. Peer Liaisons (PLs), are a select group of trained, caring upper-class student leaders affiliated with the residential colleges and one of these eight centers/offices: Afro-American Cultural Center, Asian American Cultural Center, Chaplain’s Office, La Casa Cultural: Latinx Cultural Center, Native American Cultural Center, Office of International Students & Scholars, Office of LGBTQ Resources, Student Accessibility Services. Each PL program is structured a little differently to meet the distinct needs of each community, but all are designed to help first-year students feel a sense of belonging on-campus.
Co-Head PL and Berkeley PL: Angelreana Choi
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Springfield, MO
Major: Economics and Education Studies
What is your favorite food? pad thai
What is your favorite campus study spot? Bass basement, in one of the brightly-lit study rooms
Hi Class of 2026! My name is Angelreana, and I am a senior in Pauli Murray College studying Economics and Education Studies. I am so excited to meet you all and be the Berkeley PL this year! I grew up in Rolla, a small rural town in Missouri, but now live in Springfield, MO. On campus, I have worked at the AACC for the past three years, am a Dwight Hall Urban Fellow, am involved in the Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment Fund’s Community Investment team, and run my own Asian storytelling podcast, “Homecoming.” I am looking forward to meeting you, supporting you in any way that I can, cooking/baking for you, attending events with you, and helping make your first year at Yale as fun/exciting/enjoyable as possible!
Co-Head PL and Jonathan Edwards PL: Joy Yun
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Major: Neuroscience and Religious Studies + Education Studies Scholar
What is your favorite food? Tteokbokki and samgyetang (Korean food!)
What are your hobbies? (attempting to) bake macarons!
Hi Class of 2026! My name is Joy, and I’m the PL for Jonathan Edwards (JE SUX!!). I’m a rising junior in Jonathan Edwards studying Neuroscience and Religious Studies (also an Education Studies Scholar), and I’m absolutely ecstatic to meet you all and show you all the wonderful things here at your new home :) On campus, I’m involved with the Korean American Students at Yale, HAVEN Free Clinic, and Kappa Kappa Gamma. In my free time, I love to procrastinate on homework by binge watching kdramas, listening to kpop, going on (very) long walks, and baking macarons. But my favorite pastime is spending quality time with people - I’m always down to grab a meal or coffee/tea and talk about life! Just as I know you all are excited to begin your journey here at Yale, I can’t wait to get to know each and every one of you very soon! Please feel free to reach out to me anytime to chat, ask for advice, share life updates, or to just have a study buddy :D
Morse PL: Chloe Lee
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Fullerton, CA
Major: Economics, Data Science Certificate
What is your favorite food? avocado toast, sushi, any spicy Asian food
What is your favorite campus study spot? Saybrary, LC
Welcome to Yale Class of 2026!! I’m Chloe, a junior in Saybrook, but I will be the PL for Morse this year. I’m studying economics and data science, and I was on a gap for 21-22 school year. During my time off, I travelled, did a couple internships, and got super into fitness and cooking. If you want to share any of your favorite recipes or want to hear about my meal-prepping routine, please reach out! I was originally born in Seoul, Korea, but I grew up in LA since I was 10. Outside of classes and being a PL, you will see me riding penny board around campus, searching for cool study spots, or just enjoying the sun on a good weather day. Please let me know if you want to learn more about my experience or ask ANY unfiltered questions about college, career, or life (hahah). I’m SO excited to meet you and get to know all of you soon! :)
Saybrook PL: Clarabel Chen
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Major: History or Math
What are your hobbies? I love art so much. Please introduce me to any and all kinds of art!
What is your favorite campus study spot? Dance studios! I’m probably not supposed to write papers in dance studios but the lighting is just so beautiful :)
I also do non-arts things—I interview for Negative Space: an Asian and Asian American Oral History Project, and I love all things Saybrook! Please reach out if you ever want a really tight hug, a hike together to East Rock, a singalong party with your choice of songs, someone to vent to/sit and cry with, or someone to try new things with. Also—I will bake cookies for you. My first year was challenging but so much fun, and I will support you through yours in any way you need. Sending all my love! <3
Pauli Murray PL: Cynthia Sutanto
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
Major: Philosophy
What is your favorite food? Soup dumplings and anything from Sandra’s Next Generation
What is your favorite campus study spot? The Egyptology Room in Sterling!
Welcome to Yale, Class of 2026! I’m Cynthia, a rising junior in Pauli Murray studying philosophy. Outside of being a PL, I will be serving as co-president of Migration Alliance at Yale and working as a public policy intern at Hope Family Justice Center, a local domestic violence victim treatment center. I’m so excited to connect y’all with the amazing service opportunities in New Haven, educational resources on campus, and all my favorite restaurants and coffee shops. In my free time, I enjoy painting, cooking in the AACC kitchen (which we absolutely will be doing together!), and making Spotify playlists for friends. I can’t wait to meet you all this semester, please don’t hesitate to reach out about anything at all!
Timothy Dwight PL: Isa Zou
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Austin, TX
Major: Ethnicity, Race, and Migration (ER&M)
What is your favorite class? Migrants and Refugees in Literature
What are your favorite artists/bands? Jhene Aiko, Doja Cat, Esperanza Spalding, Arooj Aftab
Hi hi! My name is Isa, and I’m a senior in TD studying Ethnicity, Race and Migration. On campus, I’m the music director of Whim ‘n Rhythm (a senior a cappella group!) and an editor at the YDN Magazine, and I perform modern dance with A Different Drum Dance Company and work with the Anti-Racist Teaching and Learning Collective. In my free time, I love cooking all kinds of Chinese food, dancing in four-inch stilettos, going on hikes, making boba, reading fiction that deals with race and/or faith and/or love complexly, giving huge hugs, and above all, getting to know and love YOU!! I’m SO so excited to spend time with you this year—please reach out anytime about anything at all, even just to say hi or let me know if you have good movie recs! Sending love!!!
Grace Hopper PL: Josh Nguyen
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: West Des Moines, IA
Major: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB)
What is your favorite movie/tv show? La La Land
What is your favorite New Haven restaurant? Sushi on Chapel
Hiiii and welcome to Yale! My name is Josh, and I’m a senior in Hopper College studying Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. I’m also a pre-dental (or maybe pre-med? still figuring that out lol) student. On campus, I’m a part of the Yale Concert Band, Yale Outdoors, and am also an undergraduate researcher at the med school. Some things I enjoy are long walks, exploring, and spending WAYYYY too much time on TikTok. My PLs and mentors have helped me so, so much during my time at Yale, and I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to meet you and help you thrive here! I’m always here for support and feel free to reach out about absolutely anything!
Branford PL: Kelly Li
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Major: Political Science
What are your favorite artists/bands? Rich Brian, Koi, NIKI, Lil Nas X
What is your favorite capus study spot? SOM
My name is Kelly and I am so excited to meet you! I am a current second-semester Junior in Branford studying political science. I was born in the San Gabriel Valley near Los Angeles (626 area holla!) and have lived there my whole life. Outside of class, you can find me watching Trailer Park Boys, driving my friends to Target, and listening to music (probably Rich Brian). On-campus, I am a part of the Yale Undergraduate Prison Project, Yale College Democrats, and Yale Outdoors. Another very fun fact about me is that I am also a transfer student from Pasadena Community College in Pasadena, CA! So, if you’re a transfer student, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Branfordians or not, I am so excited to meet every single one of you and cannot wait to talk about the upcoming year ahead. Whether you need advice or just an ear to listen, you always have me to come to! Please look forward to a lot of quality time and snacks.
Trumbull PL: Mark Chung
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea / Deerfield, MA
Major: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB)
What is your favorite food? KBBQ
What are your hobbies? Painting, Playing the Guitar and Trombone, Swimming, Hiking
Welcome to Yale Class of 2026! My name is Mark and I’m a sophomore in Trumbull studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology on a pre-med track. I will be PL-ing for Trumbull (the BEST college) this year! I grew up in Seoul, South Korea, but have also lived in Singapore and Massachusetts. On campus I’m involved with KASY (Korean American Students at Yale), the Yale Daily News, the Yale Buddhist Sangha, research with Yale-New Haven Hospital, and volunteer as an EMT locally. At any given time you may find me basking on Cross Campus, petting Handsome Dan on the sidewalks, or grinding out an essay at Blue State with 3 cups of coffee. I can’t want to meet you all and show you all the amazing things Yale and the AACC has to offer. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, or if you just want to chat! Boola Boola :)
Pierson PL: Pia Gorme
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Atmore, AL
Major: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) + History of Science and Medicine (HSHM)
What is your favorite Yale class? Seeing Us: Representation in Digital Photography
What is your favorite New Haven restaurant? September in Bangkok
hii c/o 2026!! my name is Pia Gorme (she/her) and I’m a senior in Pierson College! I was born and raised in Dumaguete City, Philippines but moved to Atmore, Alabama with my family when I was 8 years old! I’m a double major with the longest combination of names possible: History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health & Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. I’m also pre-med, in the BA/BS 5-year MPH program and am a research assistant in the LusKing Lab (cell bio) and in the Social Gerontology + Health Lab. when I’m not busy being a woman in STEM, I love to cook and bake with and for friends, enjoy photography as a hobby, and going on walks. I’m also involved with Kasama: the Filipinx Club at Yale (if you’re Filipinx pls hmu) and part of Steppin’ Out (S.O.!). While I’ve been on AACC center staff for the past 3 years, I’m super excited to join the PL team this year, looking forward to getting to know y’all, and be a source of support and care during your first year! <33
Ezra Stiles PL: Sandhya Kumar
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Major: Global Affairs
What is your favorite food? Jalebi!
What are your favorite artists/bands? LANY, Noah Kahan, Dominic Fike
Hi Class of 2026!! I’m Sandhya, a rising senior in Saybrook College from Minnesota. I am studying global affairs and global health and am also starting a Master of Public Health in health policy this year. On campus, I am involved with South Asian Society, the Yale International Relations Association, and dance with Yale Rangeela, Yale’s Bollywood fusion team! When I’m not in class, I like to explore study spots around campus, grab ice cream, and relax with friends in Yale’s courtyards when it’s nice out. I also really enjoy reading and cooking when I get the chance. I am so excited to PL this year and am looking forward to meeting you all! Please reach out if you want to talk about first year, the AACC, or literally anything else!
Benjamin Franklin PL: Sanya Nair
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Major: Neuroscience + Ethnicity, Race, and Migration (ER&M)
What is your favorite book? Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
What are your hobbies? Painting, reading, making oddly specific Spotify playlists
Hi, Class of 2026! Welcome to Yale! My name is Sanya, and I’m from Lancaster, PA though I call Benjamin Franklin home here at Yale (and I am very excited to be the PL for Franklin!). I will be a junior this fall, and I am double majoring in Neuroscience and ER&M (also pre-med). On-campus, I’m involved with the Yale Undergraduate Research Association, YNEURO, Yale STEM & Health Equity Advocates, run events and a broadcast show with WYBC, and am the publisher for The Politic. I also love watching Netflix originals and delving into new music. I am so excited to meet you in person and offer support in any way I can. Always feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat. My PL was a wonderful resource my first year, and I hope to help make all of y’all’s Yale experience as fun and enjoyable as possible!
Davenport PL: Valentina Guo
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Major: Computer Science + Economics
What is your favorite food? Affogato, Tiramisu, every coffee dessert but coffee itsel
What are your favorite artists/bands? The Band CAMINO
Class of 2026! Hello! I’m Valentina, a junior in Branford originally from Brooklyn, NY. For those in Davenport, I’ll be your PL this year! On campus, I’m involved with the Chinese American Students Association (CASA), Yale Alternative Investments, and like to play badminton in my free time. My relationship with the AACC started when I attended events here and there, blossomed as I organized CASA events at the AACC, and now I’m a PL! The AACC is a literal home, an awesome community to be part of, one which I wish I had been involved with earlier. One of my goals as a PL is to connect you to the resources of the AACC and ensure that you feel like you belong and can thrive here at Yale. I’m so incredibly excited and grateful to be a part of your Yale experience. Welcome and see you very, very soon!
Silliman PL: Zahra Yarali
Pronouns: she
Hometown: Murray, KY
Major: Psychology, Sociology, Ed Studies
What is your favorite Yale class? Gender and Citizenship in the Middle East
What is your favorite New Haven restaurant? does Donut Crazy count?
Hi everyone! My name is Zahra Yarali and I am a junior serving as your Silliman PL this year! I grew up in a small town in western Kentucky and am originally from Iran! I’m in the Education Studies scholars program, and I’m majoring in Psychology. I’ve always loved working with and learning alongside kids (in all their genuine curiosity about the world!), and I’m interested in pursuing research that promotes equitable pedagogies of childhood and adolescent education. On campus, I love working my job as a barista at the Acorn Cafe, and I develop social justice programming for Muslim students at Yale on the MSA board and as a volunteer for the Shia Racial Justice Coalition. I also am passionate about reimagining the ways SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) students can hold space for our diverse cultural heritages and build community while at Yale. And whenever I can, I love to spend afternoons outside wandering, wondering, and writing poems with dear friends. I’m so thrilled to be working with the AACC this year and I can’t wait to meet you all. Please never hesitate to reach out so we can get to know each other! :)